British paper believes Man United had Atlético Madrid forward Diego Costa watched at the weekend

Manchester United could try to ignite their faultering season with the signing of Atlético Madrid forward Diego Costa after British newspaper Daily Mail reported that they had him watched at the weekend.

The English Premier League champions sent chief scout Robbie Cooke to watch Costa during Atlético’s 1-0 win over Malaga on Saturday and could now break the bank to sign the Brazilian born forward.

Costa has been sensational in 2013 and has scored 19 times in 18 league matches this season to keep his side on the tails of Barcelona.

He has been linked with English clubs Arsenal and Liverpool over the past few months but it now appears Man United are edging ahead.

Although the Red Devils would most likely want to sign the 25-year-old now it seems increasingly unlikely as Diego Simeone’s team are fighting on several fronts this season.

Costa reportedly has a £31.5 million release clause though so the Manchester United manager David Moyes may be tempted to meet that should the English side continue to struggle.

It would be a huge blow to Simeone and Atlético if they did but would continue the incredible rise of Costa.